Not long ago someone told me a truly shocking fact: that on average each plastic bag is used for only 20 minutes but each lasts beyond 20 years. It seems absolutely made that we glibly accept a plastic bag in every shop we go in to despite not really actually needing one. I work in a shop and I see it happen all too often but now watching people walk out with multiple bags actually strikes a chord with me.

Cruising the Cath Kidston website recently I came across one of these floral box bags on sale. I really love Cath Kidston products as they are totally feminine and hark back to a bygone era (one I definitely think I should have been born into). They are also well made items that are versatile and durable. This bag had £6 off the original £22 price, making it £16. That isn't exactly cheap for a bag but I knew I could not only do some good with it, stopping myself from using plastic bags, but also that it would last me a very long time. I ordered one straight away and was pleased when it arrived some days later.

There are many patterns available in many patterns which change regularly on the website. I personally really love her floral prints and so was glad that one of those was on sale. it is called 'Hampton Rose' and is a creamy coloured base with little pink, blue and yellow flowers. Because the majority of flowers are pink on the bag the overall effect is of a cream and pink floral pattern, I love these colours and think the pattern is very pretty and chintzy.

The bag is as it is described, box shaped (a rectangular shaped box). The bag is bigger than I initially thought it might be, which is great as I travel a lot to see my boyfriend and am always in need of a good overnight bag. I have also found it useful for taking my books back and forth to University and taking my lunch to work on the weekends. In fact it is a very versatile bag and because it is waterproof I never need to worry about taking it out in adverse weather conditions.

There is a small pocket on the inside of the bag, this is the same material as the lining and has a handy and easy to use zip. I tend to store my phone in here, or other important items like tablets and hair bands. There is also a zip on the top of the bag which is helpful as you can easily secure your items inside and not have to worry about being pick-pocketed.

The bag is made from a PVC coated fabric. As I've said this means it is waterproof which is definitely an added bonus for me as I am not only an all weather girl but also horribly clumsy. When I spill things on the bag, which I inevitably will, it will be easy to wipe anything off it with a cloth or baby wipe. This also means you can clean the bag quite easily which is a luxury most bags don't afford you.

My only major critique in fact would be the length of the handles which are sadly just too short for this to go over your shoulder. Obviously if you planned to have this as a handbag that would be wildly inconvenient, as an overnight bag it is simply mildly irritating. There is no real need for the handles to be as short as they are and if they were longer it would give you a chance to either wear it on your lower arm or over the shoulder, making it even more versatile.

I am really impressed by the durability of the bag though. I have owned it for a month of so now which isn't long but honestly it has been battered around in this time and had a fair few knocks. I would expect this to last you well over a year and possibly longer before it becomes a little too shabby.

Overall, a great bag that I'm glad to have bought on sale!